This Christmas, as you compile your Toddlers Christmas wish list, be sure to check it twice. Check here for some quick tips to help you make your decisions.

During the preschool years, toys that promote problem solving, pretend play, exploration and independence will get you the most bang for your buck. While it can be tempting to purchase high tech toys for your toddler, the general rule of thumb is the more things a toy can do, the less a child can do with it.

During the preschool years, children enjoy mimicking the activities you do around the house. A broom for pretend play, or a baby to cuddle and care for, for example, are perfect choices for your toddler because they allow your child to mimic you, while at the same time, promote their own muscle development, large and small motor skill development and hand eye coordination.

So what are the best Christmas toys for your toddler?

For 12-24 month olds consider:

Toys and containers for dumping and sorting

Stacking cups

Nesting toys

Pounding toys

Wooden blocks

Balls

Push and pull toys

Tunnels

Simple trains

Simple instruments like egg shakers and floor drums

For 2 and 3 year olds:

Small, plastic climbing structures and slides

Water and sand tables

Paper, crayon and paint

Peg boards

Dough and clay

Dress up clothing

Kitchenware

Props for pretend play

Tools

Dolls and accessories

Cars and trucks

Puppets

Ride on toys

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your toddlers toy selection, consider rotating your child’s toys every few weeks. They will enjoy playing with toys that seem new to them and you’ll have less to put away!

What items are on your own toddler's Christmas wish list this year? Share your own “must haves” below.

With her background as an International Nanny Association Credentialed Nanny specializing in caring for multiples, Michelle has been partnering with parents in raising their children since 1994.

With her extensive experience in newborn, infant and child care, and with her passion for setting herself apart from her peers by providing top-notch service, Michelle is regularly called on by the most popular parenting magazines and websites to share her knowledge and expertise. She has been featured on Parents.com, Parenting.com, and BabyTalk.com and regularly contributes to ModernMom.com, Momtastic.com, and other popular parenting websites.

Michelle has contributed to TWINS Magazine and wrote a chapter for the best-selling Experts' Guide to the Baby Years. Michelle has also authored four books of her own entitled, Nanny to the Rescue!, Nanny to the Rescue Again!, Working Mom's 411 and A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists. She also co-authored Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Child Care.

Michelle is an active member of the nanny and baby planner communities. In 2004, Michelle was honored as the International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year> and received accolades from President George Bush for her dedication to improving quality in-home child care. Michelle serves on the advisory board of the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals and has served on the board of directors and as vice president of the International Nanny Association. She has also served as the executive director of the International Nanny Association and as a trainer for The Academy of Coaching Parents International.

Michelle currently serves as the editor in chief of Longhorn Leads, managing the content across their portfolio of care related sites including www.eNannySource.com, www.GoNannies.com, www.NannyPro.com, and www.4Nannies.com, in addition to serving as the executive director of Morningside Nannies, the company’s award-winning placement agency.

Michelle is a national speaker, bringing a message of hope and empowerment to moms groups across the nation. She and her husband Jeff, reside on Cape Cod with their daughter, Abigail, and their son, Luke.